Friday, July 20, 2007

Barely outside


The light outside didn't seem too good today (too much sand blowing around) and the most dramatic shadows and nicest light were just outside my front door. My poor mangy palm tree! We transplanted it a few months ago and its only just beginning to recover, not that you can tell by looking at it! Still it is a refreshing dash of green in an otherwise drab and dusty world.
"Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams"
St. Augustine

“I see drawings and pictures in the poorest of huts and the dirtiest of corners.”
Vincent van Gogh

Sunday, July 08, 2007

On the Threshold


I've been longing to get out to do plein aire work but have several things conspiring against me - the incredible heat (working in the sun with temperatures over 110 degrees F (44 degrees C) and also with the restrictions imposed here so I decided that the next best thing was just to open my front door and the door to the street and draw what I could see from there. Of course, this then becomes somewhat symbollic too of my life here.
“Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success. A whole, clear, glorious life lies before you. Achieve! Achieve!”
Andrew Carnegie

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”
Kahlil Gilbran

Friday, July 06, 2007

Across the room


Looking across the living room to the patio window. Feeling quite happy about this pastel. The light was interesting as it was coming from three directions. The window in the background, from a window behind my left shoulder and also very diffuse light from the skylight windows above the chair and table.
all artwork is copyright of Anita Murphy 2006/2007/2008/2009